[Ethical aspects of transcultural research].

An increasing number of patients in contact with the Danish health services have a non-Danish background. What are the ethical questions and dilemmas doctors face with this patient population in relation to their participation in medical research? This paper discusses the core medical ethical principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice in relation to the participation in research of members of various ethnic groups.

[Erythropoietin--a new therapy in cerebral ischemia?].

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine which is commonly associated with its central role in erythropoiesis. The clinical applications of the recombinant hormone are currently restricted to the treatment of anemia in renal failure and cancer. Recent studies, however, have suggested a new role for EPO as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective drug.

[Intrathecal baclofen in the treatment of severe spastic tetraplegia and dystonia in children and adolescents].

Introduction: Continuous intrathecal baclofen has been used over the past years especially in adult patients with spasticity of spinal origin. Children and young adults with severe spasticity and dystonia of cerebral origin are difficult to treat in spite of optimal systemic antispasmotic therapy with baclofen, tizanidine, dantrolene and/or diazepam. Intrathecal baclofen has therefore been applied in a group of young patients.

Sexual side effects induced by psychotropic drugs.

The majority of psychotropic drugs entail sexual side effects. The sexual side effects may reduce quality of life and may give rise to non-compliance. For example, 30-60 per cent of patients treated with antidepressants are known to develop a sexual dysfunction.

[Hypodynamic respiratory insufficiency. Diagnostic investigation].

Patients with restrictive lung disease, owing to respiratory muscle dysfunction, have no parenchymal involvement. Their vital capacity (VC) and total lung capacity (TLC) are reduced to less than 50% and can lead to pneumonia and nocturnal hypercapnia and hypoxia. Their diffusion capacity is normal.

[Epilepsy surgery of Danish children 1996-2002].

Introduction: Epilepsy surgery is done in order to obtain seizure freedom or to reduce the number of epileptic seizures in selected patients not responding to medical treatment. Few Danish children have had this treatment, most probably because of some restrictions imposed by The Danish National Health Board. We present the results of the first 22 Danish children who have had epilepsy surgery.

[Sexual function in patients with spinal cord injuries].

A spinal cord lesion (SCL) changes most functions below the level of lesion, including sexual function. Most women had sexual intercourse after the lesion, but describe practical problems. Many of them are capable of achieving organism, and are normally fertile.

[Sexual side effects of treatment with psychopharmaceuticals].

The majority of psychotropic drugs entail sexual side effects. The sexual side effects may reduce the quality of life and may give rise to non-compliance. For example, 30-60 per cent of patients treated with antidepressants are known to develop a sexual dysfunction.

[Use and registration of coercion in psychiatry in the new millennium].

Introduction: The Danish Mental Health Act of 1989 emphasized that the use of coercion should be recorded. The National Board of Health has published statistics on this issue since 1990. This study investigates the use of coercive measures at all Danish psychiatric departments from 1990 to 1998.

[A depression rating scale for the ward].

Background: The aim of the present study was to develop a quantitative rating scale for depression based on observations in the ward and one that can be administered by the nursing staff.

Materials And Methods: Based on a literature survey and existing depression rating scales, a new rating scale was developed especially suited for use in inpatient care. The patients were rated simultaneously with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI).